Court Allows Assessment Orders Post IBC Admission, Prohibits Recovery Actions

The court allowed assessment orders post IBC admission but prohibited recovery actions during CIRP, aligning with IBC provisions. It emphasized pursuing statutory appeal instead of challenging orders on merits, recognizing financial constraints during CIRP. The court directed appeal filing within two weeks without pre-deposit requirement to ensure fair access to legal remedy.

---

---

Issues:
Challenging assessment orders post IBC admission, Ex-parte orders, High-pitched assessment, Jurisdiction during CIRP, Applicability of Sundaresh Bhatt case, Statutory remedy of appeal, Pre-deposit requirement.

Challenging Assessment Orders Post IBC Admission:
The petitioner challenged two orders-in-original assessing service tax and CENVAT Credit for specific years post IBC admission. Claimed proceedings violated Section 14 of IBC, preventing such actions during CIRP. Alleged errors in assessment due to not considering subsidiary companies' financials.

Ex-parte Orders and High-Pitched Assessment:
Petitioner contended that assessments were ex-parte and erroneous, with service tax liability exceeding turnover. Claimed lack of representation during assessment process.

Jurisdiction During CIRP and Applicability of Sundaresh Bhatt Case:
Respondent argued that assessment during CIRP is permissible, citing Sundaresh Bhatt case. Court agreed, allowing assessment but prohibiting recovery actions during moratorium, aligning with IBC provisions.

Statutory Remedy of Appeal and Pre-Deposit Requirement:
Court advised the petitioner to pursue appeal instead of challenging orders on merits. Recognized financial constraints due to CIRP, directed appeal filing within two weeks without pre-deposit requirement, ensuring fair access to legal remedy.

In conclusion, the court disposed of the petitions, permitting assessment during CIRP but restricting recovery actions. Emphasized the importance of statutory appeal remedy, offering relief from pre-deposit obligations considering the petitioner's circumstances.

---